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Western Cape launches innovative Export Certificate Office Scheme (ECOS)

Location: News

Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government
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The Western Cape Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Services recently launched its innovative Export Certificate Office System (ECOS). The launch coincided with the Western Cape's inaugural Veterinary Week, which focused on state veterinary services' role in the agriculture sector. One such role is export facilitation.

Dr Vincent Henwood, Western Cape Department Head of the Veterinary Export Certification Office, explained that ECOS is an online electronic system which seeks to ensure compliance in South Africa's food and animal products industry.

Dr Henwood said, “The platform provides permit templates aligned with importing countries' import permits, streamlining the export process, and ensuring compliance with international standards. ECOS enables tracking of products, including animal-derived ones, back to their source farms, thus ensuring transparency throughout the supply chain.”

Speaking at the launch, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, welcomed ECOS as an innovative platform which focused on improving the Western Cape Government's services to our customers.

Minister Meyer said, “ECOS provides the customer with a 24-hour export facilitation service which reduces the export certificate application process from days to minutes. The Western Cape currently exports 55% of South Africa's primary agricultural products. ECOS will also assist in increasing these exports to at least 60%. Exports contribute to foreign exchange earnings and a 5% increase in exports will lead to approximately 22 000 new jobs in the sector.”

“Due to the location and history of South Africa, we have an extremely diverse set of products, factories, and processes.  We also have a complex food and export legislative system with different authorities (6 religious, state, and authorised signatories). This creates the possibility for synergies between authorities as they are often working on similar products and in the same locations,” continued Minister Meyer. 

“In light of our endemic diseases, our rich diversity of wildlife, and our animal health system we need to have a systems approach to disease (human and animal) risk mitigation and international trade in animal products. Due to the many role-players communication and coordination is key. This is challenging in a resource-constrained environment. ECOS can help to coordinate communication and increase cooperation at food processing establishments between authorities,” added Minister Meyer.

Heidi Fourie from La Montanara (Pty) Ltd, a cheese factory in Ashton, has already been using the ECOS.

Heidi Fourie said,” As a small dairy business we do not have time to struggle to complete the significant paperwork that accompanies an export certificate application. The wait often negatively impacts product shelf life and quality. ECOS has changed this. While uploading my company's profile onto the ECOS platform was initially time-consuming, it now takes approximately five minutes to get an export certificate approved.”

Minister Meyer remarked: “We appreciate the feedback from our clients in the Western Cape, which has been invaluable in refining ECOS. Their feedback and support are crucial as we work together to revolutionize compliance, traceability, and export control in South Africa's food and animal products industry.”

Commenting on the future of ECOS, Minister Meyer said that with the support of the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, ECOS should and could be rolled out nationally.

Minister Meyer said, “This will create a comprehensive system that ensures the traceability and compliance of all relevant products on a national scale. It will also greatly enhance the smooth movement of products and reduce the administrative burden and access to veterinary certification to rural producers.”

This year's Veterinary Week ended with a visit to the Department's Veterinary Export Certification Office in Milnerton and the Spar, one of the Veterinary Export Certification Office's biggest clients, Western Cape Distribution Centre in Philippi.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.

Read moreWestern Cape launches innovative Export Certificate Office Scheme (ECOS)

Home Affairs Minister welcomes sentencing of corrupt official

Location: News

Home Affairs Minister welcomes sentencing of corrupt official

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, today welcomed the lengthy sentences recently meted out to two South Africans and a Pakistani national in two different cases in Durban and Johannesburg, respectively, for passport related crimes.

Arfan Ahmed, a Pakistani national who was arrested in a sting operation that included the Counter Corruption Branch of Home Affairs, the Hawks and the Police Crime Intelligence on 24 March 2022 at the Home Affairs office in Krugersdorp, has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment by the Brixton Magistrate Court.

He was sentenced for the passports that were found in his house following his arrest in Krugersdorp. The department awaits his sentencing for his role in the Krugersdorp passport syndicate.

Ahmed is a kingpin of a passport syndicate that sought to undermine the country’s laws by fraudulently procuring South African passports for Pakistani nationals who did not have a legal right to possess South African passports.

He was working with some corrupt officials of Home Affairs in a network that spanned Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Mpumalanga.

While the Pakistani is languishing in jail, the 12 corrupt Home Affairs officials who enabled his scheme have already been fired and submitted to the Hawks for criminal investigations.

In another important development, the Durban Magistrate Court sentenced Anda Ngozi and Nomathandazo Mboyane to 26 and 24 years, respectively. The two were officials of the Department of Home Affairs employed at the office in Queenstown, in the Eastern Cape.

They used to travel 650km each way at a time during the night to Home Affairs offices in Commercial Road and in Prospecton in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, to fraudulently process 52 passports for foreign nationals, mostly from the DRC, who are not legally entitled to them.

They were paid between R3 000 and R5 000 for each passport. South Africans who were prepared to lend their identities for this nefarious scheme were paid a paltry R500. These were usually young people who were on nyaope.

The two were arrested in November 2022 by Counter Corruption Branch of Home Affairs and the Hawks following the conclusion of an internal investigation led by the Counter Corruption Branch.

Ngozi was sentenced for eight years for fraud, as well as for contravention of the:

•            Identification Act – four years

•            Immigration Act – four years

•            Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act – 10 years

Mboyane was sentenced for eight years for fraud, as well as for contravention of the:

•            Identification Act – four years

•            Immigration Act – four years

•            Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act – eight years

The sentences of the two will run concurrently, practically meaning that Ngozi will spend 10 years, while Mboyane will spend eight years.

“I am extremely pleased that the courts are meting out lengthy sentences to those who seek to undermine the integrity of Home Affairs systems. It is worth noting that the courts had refused bail to all three after their arrests.

"I am also happy the collective work of the multidisciplinary law enforcement teams has ensured that these rascals face the full might of the law for their criminal actions,” said Minister Motsoaledi.

Minister Motsoaledi added that he was looking forward to the sentencing of more people related to these two cases as the Hawks haven't yet closed their investigations.

“Once again, I want to reiterate that we shall stop at nothing in ensuring that all Home Affairs officials who engage in malfeasance face the full might of the law. If you are at Home Affairs and are corrupt, expect our knock at your door," said Minister Motsoaledi.

He added that the actions of corrupt officials, kingpins, South Africans and corrupt foreign nationals have the following consequences for the country:

•            People who don’t qualify for South African passports are legitimised through these actions to the detriment of the sovereignty of our country.

•            They can use these documents to travel the world as South Africans, and in the process, they may be committing acts that are detrimental to the reputation of the country.

•            More worrisome is the fact that even those who claim to be asylum seekers or refugees use these passports to travel back to their home countries proving that the whole claim of asylum was just a rouse.

•            South Africans will find it difficult to travel the world as the authenticity of their documents will be questioned.

"South Africans who stupidly lend their identities to be utilised in this manner end up suffering serious prejudice when trying to do transactions with other State institutions, banks and some industry associations.

“This is because the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA), banks and the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) verify the identity of the people they transact with through the Home Affairs National Population Register (NPR).

"Every time you apply for an ID or passport you are required to take a photo. The latest photo you take becomes the one in our database and all previous ones are automatically deleted.

"So, if a South African sells their identity in this way, it means that the photo in the Home Affairs system is that of the foreign national. So, institutions verifying through NPR refuse to deal with people whose identity at Home Affairs have pictures that don't look like the person in front of them," said Motsoaledi.

The Durban Magistrate Court also ordered that the 52 passports be surrendered to the State.

Because of this abuse of the passport application system, Home Affairs has drastically changed the processes through which passports are acquired in the country. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 13:28

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Read moreHome Affairs Minister welcomes sentencing of corrupt official

Office of the Tax Ombud celebrates 10 years of excellence

Location: News

Office of the Tax Ombud celebrates 10 years of excellence

Having stood the test of time as a capable organisation with a proven track record in helping to resolve taxpayers' complaints against the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

"We are encouraged by the average 98% implementation by SARS of our nonbinding recommendations. Also worth noting is that, on average, 80% of complaints received by the OTO in the past decade were resolved in favour of taxpayers, and only 20% were in favour of SARS,” Tax Ombud Yanga Mputa said on Sunday.

She attributed the success of the OTO to its dedicated employees, the support of stakeholders, including Finance Ministers, the National Treasury and SARS, and recognised controlling bodies in the tax sphere.

Established on 1 October 2013, the OTO has been credited with improving the country's tax administration system and promoting and championing taxpayer rights.

“We have made a significant contribution towards promoting a healthy balance between taxpayer rights and obligations on the one hand, and SARS powers and duties on the other. We champion the promotion and protection of taxpayer rights through our ongoing ‘Making Taxpayers' Rights Matter’ educational campaign, which takes our services to the doorsteps of communities nationwide. We reiterate the call for taxpayers to utilise the free and impartial services provided by the OTO to those with complaints against SARS,” Mputa said.

The OTO has published the country's first-ever Compilation of Taxpayers' Rights, Entitlements and Obligations to promote its mandate.

This document's main aim is to highlight taxpayers' rights and obligations, as contained in various laws, including the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and the Tax Administration Act, 2011, and be used as a reference tool to guide taxpayers towards the information needed.

"One of our priorities in the next decade is to promote awareness about the OTO and take our services to the four corners of our country. We will continue to benchmark ourselves and, wherever we can, to share our expertise with other government institutions – in South Africa and beyond," Mputa said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 09:33

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Read moreOffice of the Tax Ombud celebrates 10 years of excellence

Kenya celebrates 15th anniversary

Location: MyPR

September 2023 marks a milestone in the history of leading African law firm Bowmans. Fifteen years ago, Bowmans Kenya was established in a move that marked the start of Bowmans’ growth across the continent. Today, Bowmans Kenya is one of the largest law firms in the country and operates as a hub with Bowmans’ other …

Read moreKenya celebrates 15th anniversary

W Cape calls for caution on the roads

Location: News

W Cape calls for caution on the roads

The MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, Anton Bredell, has called for holidaymakers to plan their travels carefully as several roads remain closed following the floods.

“It is the start of the school holidays in the Western Cape, and we are asking people to consider their plans for traveling very carefully, as several roads are still closed, have only limited lane access, or stop-go arrangements in place,” Bredell said at a briefing on Friday.

Bredell said currently, there is a stop-go arrangement on the N1 in De Doorns, which will be in place for at least three months. The N2 is closed outside Botriver; the R43 is closed in the direction towards Villiersdorp; Hemel and Aarde Road is closed towards Hermanus, and the R321 is closed from Molteno in the direction of Villiersdorp.

Updates on road closures can be viewed at: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/latest-road-closures.

“Hermanus suffered extensive damages to water supply infrastructure during the floods, and emergency services are currently supplying water with trucks and tankers for the entire community.

“If you are planning to visit, please be considerate to water trucks on the road. Please bring water along for your own needs, and it would be much appreciated if you could also bring a few litres extra for someone in the affected community,” Bredell said.

The City of Cape Town has updated its numbers of communities in need. Bredell said 21 011 people and 6 906 structures have been confirmed as impacted. Assessments are still outstanding for Covid Settlement, LA Burundi, and Strongyard in Mfuleni.

The MEC said relief efforts continue to reach rural communities still cut off due to roads being washed away.

“We are concerned about farm worker families, especially in the Breede River Municipality, and are doing everything in our power to connect and support everybody in need.”

Bredell said the severe storm has kept 16 Western Cape schools closed, down from 39 closed on Tuesday and 21 closed on Wednesday. We are pleased that the recovery effort is proceeding quickly, allowing schools to reopen successfully.

“Our officials are working with schools to ensure that all can reopen as soon as possible, and we encourage parents to keep in contact with their school for updates regarding closures.

“We thank the emergency services, our government and NGO partners, and our schools for the assistance they are rendering to our teachers, learners, and parents as we recover from this devastating storm,” said David Maynier, the Western Cape MEC for Education.

Bredell thanked Eskom for working 24/7 to rectify faults and repair damaged infrastructure caused by the severe weather.

“We know there are still problems in the system, but we were assured by Eskom that they are working as fast as possible under difficult conditions to address these outstanding problems,” Bredell said.

Local disaster centres

To stay up to date with events in your immediate area, Bredell gave out the following contact details:

Cape Winelands: 021-886-9244 / 021-8874446

Eden District: 044 805 5071                                    

Central Karoo: 023 449 8000

West Coast: 022 433 8700                                     

Overberg: 028 4251690

City of Cape Town: 107 landline or 021 480 7700 and 080 911 4357 (City of Cape Town Disaster Management Centre).

NGOs, including the SA Red Cross Society, Gift of the Givers, Islamic Relief, and Mustadafin are providing support in the Cape Winelands District Municipality, Overberg District Municipality, Breede Valley Municipality, Drakenstein, and towns in the Langeberg Municipality, such as Ashton and McGregor.

 

This includes support extended to agri-workers and their families:

  • 186 families, and 741 individuals in small towns and farms have been reached with aid.
  • In the City of Cape Town, 10 282 people were provided with meals.
  • Social workers and community development workers are conducting outreaches with local municipality officials. 

Donation drop-off points 

Donations required include blankets, water, dry and non-perishable food, baby food, toiletries and dignity packs.

If you would like to drop off donations, please feel free to contact the following SA Red Cross Society offices: 

 

1.Wynberg Provincial Office

21 Broad Road, Wynberg

021 7975360 / 0609037473

 

2. Greyton

11 Pointers Weg, Heuwelkroon, Greyton

028 254 9378 / 0761335777

Charanine Cupido

 

3. Hermanus Office

2A Aberdeen Street,

Hermanus

072 609 8655

Angela Heslop

 

4. Knysna Office

25 Trotter Street, Knysna

044 382 1244

Tania Cole

 

 - SAnews.gov.za

 

Matona
Sat, 09/30/2023 - 15:13

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Read moreW Cape calls for caution on the roads

Reimagining Skills Development: Unique Collaboration Set the Scene for Future Success

Location: MyPR

Reimagining Skills Development: Unique Collaboration Set the Scene for Future Success Innovation often stems from a unique perspective and a fresh outlook on the future. This has been the driving force for the partnership between EduPower, a leading training provider and the branded merchandise company, JIMBU. Together, they are reimagining the potential of learnerships, and …

Read moreReimagining Skills Development: Unique Collaboration Set the Scene for Future Success

Cabinet approves Draft Water Services Amendment Bill 

Location: News

Cabinet approves Draft Water Services Amendment Bill 

Cabinet has approved the publication of the Water Services Amendment Bill for public comment. 

The Bill aims to strengthen accountability for water service providers and to introduce transparency. 

“The amendments to the Water Services Act will ensure that water service providers deliver high quality water as part of their licensing conditions.

“The amendments will also address weakness that have been identified in the water services sector, and these include conflict with water services providers being both providers and regulators. The Bill sets minimum standards for the functioning of Water Services Providers, which must be enforced by Water Services Authorities,” Cabinet said. 

Draft National Water Amendment Bill

Cabinet has also approved the publication of the draft National Water Amendment Bill for public comment. The Bill amends the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998). 

“These amendments will improve regulations and will ensure that the country’s water resources are well managed, protected and conserved. Once the amendments are implemented, there will be equitable allocation of water to all citizens of the country,” Cabinet said. 

The Bill also makes proposals to eliminate the imbalances of the past relating to water allocation and makes provisions for effective and quicker internal dispute resolution mechanisms.

SABC Bill 2023

Cabinet has approved the submission of the SABC Bill, 2023 to Parliament.
 
Cabinet initially approved the Bill in 2022, however, the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor subsequently made suggestions on certain provisions of the Bill in order to align it with the constitution. 

“Once passed into law, the Bill will result in the repeal of the current Broadcasting Act (Act 4 of 1999). The amendments will strengthen the efficiency of the operations of the public broadcaster. The Bill further proposes reforms in the SABC’s funding model and the TV licensing system,” Cabinet said. 

The Bill encourages the SABC to align its broadcasting services with the democratic values of the Constitution and to enhance its mandate to serve citizens better. – SAnews.gov.za
 
 

DikelediM
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 11:31

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Read moreCabinet approves Draft Water Services Amendment Bill 

Top litigation lawyer returns to her roots at Bowmans

Location: MyPR

Leading African law firm Bowmans is further strengthening its dispute resolution capacity in South Africa by appointing senior litigation lawyer Vanessa Jacklin-Levin as a partner in its Johannesburg Litigation Practice. ‘Vanessa is one of the most highly regarded dispute resolution lawyers in South Africa, with a formidable combination of skills, not only in litigation, adjudications …

Read moreTop litigation lawyer returns to her roots at Bowmans

Select Committee on Appropriations Welcomes Steps to Address Medical Legal Claims

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Select Committee on Appropriations has received a briefing from the Office of the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) and the National Department of Health on medical-legal claims and their impact on provincial Health care budgets.

AGSA said medico-legal claims are costing the health sector an accumulative R77 billion and the amount has, over the years risen significantly rather than the planned reduction. AGSA further said by 31 March 2022, 15 148 medico-legal claims were lodged against the Department of Health valued at R125 billion. The committee heard that provincial health facilities lacked reliable and accurate record-keeping and, in most cases, this was caused by a shortage of administrative staff.

The committee recommended that the focus shifts towards improving patient services at healthcare facilities rather than funding for possible litigation. The committee also called for significant improvements in archiving and record keeping and called for the establishment of an electronic card management system.

The committee further welcomed reports from various provincial health MECs who shared their province's plans to mitigate rising medico-legal claims and their support for strengthening record-keeping management. The committee noted that the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act (NARRSA) calls for the designation of senior staff to ensure the implementation of sound records management. The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Dikeledi Mahlangu emphasised that issues of health are societal issues and need everybody to be on board.

The committee welcomed the news that the AGSA is conducting a forensic investigation into law firms involved in litigation against provinces on medico-legal claim matters.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreSelect Committee on Appropriations Welcomes Steps to Address Medical Legal Claims

In a declining SA market, diversifying real estate portfolios offshore makes qualified sense

Location: MyPR

There is a perception that property is a good investment delivering healthy returns over time. A bonded property requires that the property owner practices financial discipline and makes regular monthly repayments with the end result being a fully paid off asset. Depending on the property cycle when the property was acquired, that perception has held …

Read moreIn a declining SA market, diversifying real estate portfolios offshore makes qualified sense

Southern Africa sets out to strengthen One Health approach

Location: News

FAO Regional Office for Africa
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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in coordination with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and its Member States held a validation workshop for the Southern African Programme for One Health (SAPOH). The programme provides direction and a long-term vision to achieving an integrated one health (OH) approach in the region.

Fifteen SADC countries, namely, Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe attended the workshop and unanimously validated SAPOH. The SADC secretariate, three members of the quadripartite organizations leading the OH approach globally, that is, FAO, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as well as other regional partners attended the validation workshop and enriched the programme with valuable contributions and inputs before its validation.

One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. This approach is suitable for Southern Africa as the main livelihood for the people is agriculture. The One Health approach is necessary to deliver effective and efficient prevention and control of infectious diseases, as well as emergency preparedness and response.

Speaking on behalf of the Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, Patrice Talla, at the opening ceremony, FAO Representative for South Africa, Babagana Ahmadu said, “FAO and its counterparts in the One Health Quadripartite, WHO, WOAH and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), will work together to ensure that policies to support One Health were in place.”

“FAO prioritizes One Health at global and regional level. It is one of the 20 Priority Programme Areas in FAO's New Strategic Framework (2022 to 2031). Within Southern Africa, FAO has prioritized one health as one of its three flagship programmes,” he said.

“My appreciation also goes to our fellow members of the Quadripartite, the WHO, WOAH and UNEP and other partners for accompanying us on this task. We count on you for stronger collaboration in validating and changing this draft into an actionable programme. FAO is committed to working with all of you in mobilizing resources for the implementation of this programme once it is validated,” added Babagana Ahmadu.

The WOAH Representative for Southern Africa Dr Moetapele Letshwenyo said operationalization of SAPOH would be a game changer in mitigating the risk posed by zoonotic diseases. He added that, “Worldwide, 60 per cent of infectious diseases affecting humans have their origins in animals, with nearly 75 per cent of animal diseases being transmissible to humans. The increasing interactions between humans and animals within the environment and numerous factors is exacerbating the emergence, re-emergence and spread of infectious diseases, necessitates a multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary approach”.

According to the SADC Programme Officer for Livestock, Dr Gaolathe Thobokwe, SAPOH will inform the design of future country and partner programmes to address the next pandemic in Southern Africa.

“The necessity of the OH approach in SADC is very obvious, currently, we are dealing with COVID-19 and we know consequences. In the recent past we have had Ebola; we have also had disease like rift valley fever and anthrax. It shows the need to work together whether it be animal health, public health, plant health, wildlife, environmental or climate services,” he said.

The WHO Africa Regional Team Leader for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Dr Ali Yahya, pointed out that communication, resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation were essential components of the OH Programme as they enhanced accountability and learning to determine the best practices. “We might need to ensure strong energy not only to validate the document but also to support its implementation, monitoring, and documentation for further visibility to facilitate resource mobilization as well as ownership of the programme by countries,” he said.

At the end of the workshop, stakeholders called for innovations from all the actors and pointed out that the successful implementation of One Health heavily relies on using locally available resources, citizen engagement, use of traditional knowledge systems and capacity building.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.

Read moreSouthern Africa sets out to strengthen One Health approach

Public Service Month

Location: News

Public Service Month

By Nomonde Mnukwa

Local government has long been recognised as the sphere of government that is closest to the people and crucial in improving their lives. It is responsible for the provision of basic services such as water, electricity and sanitation.

This year marks 23 years since local government was established under a democratic government to ensure that basic services are provided in an impartial, fair and equitable way. This milestone would not have been possible without the commitment of public servants, throughout the country, who serve selflessly with dignity and respect.

To mark this milestone, September is recognised annually as the Public Service Month (PSM) to recognise men and women who serve the nation with pride and distinction. These include doctors, nurses, police officers, teachers and many others who play an invaluable role in delivering services and building the country as envisioned in 1994.

This year’s commemoration comes less than a year before we observe 30 years of freedom and democracy. The commemoration will provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of public servants in building the South Africa we want.

It is also an opportune moment for public servants to interrogate what has worked and what needs improvement as we build on the achievements of the last 30 years.

As government, we know that the majority of public servants are committed to the cause of improving the lives of people and go beyond the call of duty. These public servants understand that to be a public servant is an honour and privilege and an opportunity to change our society for the better.

We have seen these dedicated public servants during our fight against the COVID-19.  Most of them ventured onto the streets every day while other citizens were at home under lockdown because their job and calling in life is to protect and serve. They were first in the line to keep us safe and provided much needed services.

Public servants have showed us during COVID-19 that they have what it takes to provide better services and improve the lives of people. Our challenge now is to extend that commitment, professionalism and selflessness to our daily interactions when serving citizens and contribute to making South Africa great.

It is not simply enough for public servants to wake up and say they are going to work to earn a salary. We should find joy in serving people, it should be about improving the quality of life of the citizens, fixing traffic lights and roads or doing anything else that makes a difference in people’s lives and help us grow our country.

This year’s PSM is held under the theme: “Building a Professional Public Service for Inclusive Quality Service Delivery” which is the foremost priority of the administration. However, building a capable state that will improve the lives of the people of this country starts with having a professional and competent public service in line with the National Development Plan and Batho Pele principles.

The National Development Plan serves as a blueprint for the work that needs to be done to achieve a prosperous society for our country, while Batho Pele guides how public servants must conduct themselves especially when they serve the public.

The vision of building a capable and developmental state has been advanced by various administrations since 1994 and in 2020, Cabinet approved the National Framework Towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service aimed at ensuring that only qualified and competent individuals are appointed into positions of authority.

The empowerment of public servants is also being done through the National School of Government, which is working with the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority and the Department of Public Service and Administration to provide appropriate training and learning pathways to public servants.

During Public Service Month we strive to showcase the many services offered by government and therefore the Thusong Service Week recently took place to raise awareness of the important services that are offered in Thusong Centres across the country. At the centres, people can access government services including  application for identity documents,  birth, death and marriage certificates.

They can also get office services such as phone, fax, scan, copy, print and postal services, including advice for small business development and accessing applications for services that are offered by the South African Social Security Agency. Communities can obtain copies of the government newspaper, Vuk’uzenzele and they also are exposed to the other programmes that allow for interaction between government and South Africans.

As we conclude the Public Service Month, we call on public servants to continue to ensure that their professional ethics are beyond reproach. This is the only way we can build a country that works for everyone as envisioned by our founding fathers.

*Nomonde Mnukwa is Acting Director General of GCIS 

Janine
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 10:54

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How to Check an Electrician’s Registration AND the Validity of Your CoC

Location: MyPR

First of all you will need to directly ask your electrician if he/she is a registered master or installation electrician and for their registration numbers for themselves and their business. To verify the above, you can: Visit the website of the Electrical Conformance Board of South Africa (ECBSA) – https://electrician.org.za/ – and search for your …

Read moreHow to Check an Electrician’s Registration AND the Validity of Your CoC

Work underway to resolve KZN water woes

Location: News

Work underway to resolve KZN water woes

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it is working tirelessly to assist municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal that are facing water challenges.

This after the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) released its final report and recommendations following an investigation into water challenges in that province.

“The challenges are known to the department, and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation is working tirelessly to assist the municipalities in the province, which are Water Services Authorities (WSAs), to meet their constitutional obligation for water and sanitation services provision to citizens.

“The Blue, Green and No-Drop reports, released in June 2023, are regulatory and support mechanisms of the department for municipal drinking water quality, wastewater management and water conservation and demand management. [The reports] also provided evidence of the deteriorating state of water and sanitation situation in most of these municipalities.

“The department… welcomes the report and its recommendations, which align to the findings of the department. The department further acknowledges the critical task of improving the management of waste water and restoration of water quality and reliability of supply, and that this will require increasing investments, ensuring revenue sufficiency ,as well as professional and capable technical and managerial skills,” the department said in a statement on Friday.

The DWS explained the steps it is taking to address these challenges, including funding of some R7.8 billion for several water infrastructure projects.

“Through its water entity, uMngeni-uThukela Water Board, the department has also allocated nearly R2.3 billion for the following projects: Greater Mpofana Bulk Water Supply Project in uMgungundlovu District; the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Project in iLembe District; UMshwathi Bulk Water Supply Project servicing both uMgungundlovu and iLembe Districts, and Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Project in eThekwini. 

“uMngeni-uThukela Water Board is also implementing a Bulk Regional Water Scheme for Alfred Duma Local Municipality in uThukela District Municipality, at an estimated cost of R5 billion.

“Earlier this year, Minister Mchunu commissioned the completed Spring Grove Water Treatment Plant in Rosetta and Bruntville Reservoir in Mooi River, in the uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal. It is one of the largest rural-based projects to be implemented in recent years and is aimed at providing access to safe drinking water to Mpofana and uMngeni Local Municipalities,” the department said.

According to the statement, the Minister has also invoked Section 63 of the Water Services Act in uMkhanyakude District Municipality.

“This involved providing strong support and direction to the municipality regarding the management, operation and maintenance of its water and sanitation infrastructure in order to restore services within the district.

“The uMkhanyakude District’s multibillion rand water projects include the Greater Ingwavuma Bulk Water Supply Scheme in Jozini Local Municipality, which will supply Jozin, Big Five Hlabisa and Mtubatuba municipalities, and the Mtikini Water Supply Scheme in Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, which will supply safe drinking water to the communities of Skhemelele, Mtikini and eScabazini.

“Ugu District Municipality has also been experiencing difficulties with water and sanitation service delivery, due to old and strained infrastructure and growing demand, exacerbated by illegal connections and vandalism. To address this, the department has allocated R150 million from the WSIG to the district in order to address immediate challenges,” the statement read.

Other steps taken by the department include:

  • Establishing a water partnerships office within the Development Bank of Southern Africa  “to encourage and stimulate strategic partnerships with the private sector to invest in water infrastructure”.
  • Reconfiguring water boards “to enable them to give more support to the under-capacitated WSAs”.
  • Establishing the uPongola-Mzimkulu Catchment Management Agency (CMA), which will be tasked with decentralised water resource management and the protection of all rivers in KwaZulu-Natal.
  • A notice has been gazetted to transform the existing Irrigation Boards to Water User Associations, in terms of Section 98 of the National Water Act.

“While all the support provided above is necessary, it is not sufficient to reverse the decline in water services. There is also a need for legislative reform, and the department will shortly be gazetting an amended Water Services Act, which will strengthen and clarify the role of municipalities as Water Services Authorities to ensure that Water Service Providers provide water services in accordance with minimum norms and standards.

“The amendments will also enable the national department to intervene more decisively a last resort when municipalities fail to respond to directives to address deficiencies in the provision of water and sanitation services,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 14:42

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UIF task team to intervene in Belville Labour Centre

Location: News

UIF task team to intervene in Belville Labour Centre

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has dispatched a task team to the Bellville Labour Centre to intervene in concerns that have come to light through a media article about UIF payments and related matters at the centre.

UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping said on Friday: “We need to have a thorough understanding of the specific issues on the ground so that we can intervene swiftly. It bothers me when I hear that workers are struggling to get what is due to them. Whatever the issue, it will be addressed. I will take it upon myself to see to it.”

The fund said the task team, which is from the UIF head office in Pretoria, is expected to “establish facts and submit a report to [Maruping] within a week”.

“In recent times, the UIF has introduced various mechanisms to improve customer experience, including mobile buses, queue management, kiosks, online application platforms, free Wi-Fi at all labour centres, a data free mobile application, as well as a free USSD platform that can be used on any mobile device from anywhere,” the fund said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 14:52

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Versace Perfumes and Colognes: Fragrances that Define You

Location: MyPR

Versace Perfumes and Colognes: Fragrances that Define You Scents express your unique personality – they become a way to show who you are. When it comes to fancy fragrances, there’s one name that’s all about luxury, creativity, & timeless charm: Versace.  Versace is a famous Italian fashion brand that also creates exceptional perfumes and colognes …

Read moreVersace Perfumes and Colognes: Fragrances that Define You

Mashatile: Work underway to resolve service delivery issues in local govt

Location: News

Mashatile: Work underway to resolve service delivery issues in local govt

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has assured Members of Parliament (MPs) that the State is attending to issues facing local government. 

The Deputy President on Friday said the challenges are multi-dimensional and primarily rooted in governance, institutional capacity, poor financial management and political instability. 

“To this end, we have conducted oversight visits to six provinces to ensure that we resolve the challenges of poor governance and lack of service delivery in these areas,” he said. 

The Deputy President was responding to questions in the National Assembly on a range of issues facing the country.

Mashatile said outreach programmes were conducted in North West, Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape. 

“This was to ensure that we resolve challenges of poor governance and lack of service delivery in these areas,” he explained, adding that they also identified areas of improvement for coordinating service delivery related to infrastructure backlogs and essential services. 

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has identified 66 out of 257 municipalities as those that need support. 

The State, Mashatile said, is also working through the District Development Model (DDM) to improve intergovernmental relations on policy planning, budgeting and execution. 

“Together with the Department of COGTA, we established what we call the Result Management Office (RMO), which will be used to strengthen this work.” 

The RMO will focus on ensuring that municipalities improve service delivery with support and capacity from the war room.

It will also act as an engine for integrated service delivery that links to the community, coordinates profiles and integrates service delivery. 

The State is also looking at addressing resources, capacity and skills in the local government space. 

It also plans to facilitate improvements in planning, coordination, execution, monitoring and reporting on the delivery of projects. 

“We aim to create resilient, sustainable and cohesive communities, where municipalities serve as catalysts and enablers of development,” said the Deputy President.

In addition, he said government will be looking at the hardships facing the City of Johannesburg. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/22/2023 - 11:57

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Read moreMashatile: Work underway to resolve service delivery issues in local govt

Land claim issues should be treated as a matter of urgency – Mashatile

Location: News

Land claim issues should be treated as a matter of urgency - Mashatile

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has labelled the issue of land claims as sensitive and one that needs to be treated with the utmost urgency it deserves. 

The Deputy President was on Friday responding to questions in the National Assembly on progress achieved by government in resolving land claims, as part of the land reform programme.

Speaking to Members of Parliament (MPs), he said as of June this year, there were 5 407 outstanding old order claims instead of the 6 600, as indicated by a Parliamentarian, who had posed a question to the Deputy President.  

“There has been some movement now that is taking place,” he assured MPs. 

Meanwhile, the Deputy President said government has since adopted several interventions to support the acceleration of land reform programmes. 

This, according to Mashatile, includes the Expropriation Bill that is currently being considered by the National Council of Provinces. 

“The Land Court Amendment Bill, which includes provisions for communal land transfer, registration, title and appointment of a land rights enquirer, has been sent to the President for assent.” 

The bill, Mashatile explained, aims to regulate the administration and use of communal land by communities within the framework of the applicable laws, including spatial planning and land use management. 

The Deputy President noted the revision of the Property Valuation Act to provide for the precise scope of the Office of the Valuer-General and methodology to determine just and equitable compensation. 

In addition, the State is identifying land needs within cities and towns to inform the land reform programme, prioritising land needs for human settlements, and industrial, economic and urban agricultural development. 

This move, the Deputy President, aims to change spatial patterns and enhance socio-economic advancement. 

He told MPs that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture will continue to review the best plausible options to improve the overall financing of the Backlog Reduction Strategy, as introduced by the Commission. 

The Deputy President believes that this will help to accelerate the settlement of old order claims so that government can resolve this matter within a reasonably shorter period. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/22/2023 - 12:26

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Read moreLand claim issues should be treated as a matter of urgency – Mashatile